Most Americans said last year that the government should play a significant role in reducing obesity among children. But there was strong opposition to government involvement in this effort among conservative Republicans and Tea Party supporters.

In a March 2011 survey, 57% said the government should play a significant role in reducing obesity among children; 39% said it should not.

The survey found wide partisan and ideological differences regarding the government’s role in combating obesity. Overall, about seven-in-ten Democrats (71%) said the government should have a significant role, compared with 57% of independents and 41% of Republicans.

Four-in-five liberal Democrats (80%) said the government should have a major role in tackling this issue, a view shared by just 37% of conservative Republicans. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.